New 1996 SR5 owner needs brake help

[03V84R]

Ok just picked up a really nice 96 SR5 with a factory e-rear locker. PO did the TBU and pedal was low and kinda spungy. Typical complaint with this upgrade(did a search). So I decided to pull the rear wheels and confirm the rear brakes were adjusted properly. well they werent. Since the truck is new to me I decided to check the rear drums and well they were full of what looks like black muck/grease, no pads. So they werent even working at stopping the car. So I need some recommendations for good replacement parts, drums( if I cant salvage the OEMs), hardware, wheel cylinders and shoes. I know OEM is the best, but probably double the price. Has anyone been using the Centric drums? Stop-tech? Brembo?
thanks
Jerry

 

[RotaryDreamz]

I went with all OEM hardware and pads, but purchased brembo drums. I've only put about 3k miles on them so far, but went wheeling twice since. So far I've had no issues whatsoever. Only real complaint I read about the drums was exterior surface rust. I went and painted them with black caliper paint.

 

[JMat]

Sounds like you're also going to need to do the rear axle bearings and seals... That black muck/grease is a dead giveaway.

 

[03V84R]

muck/brakes

Yup, figured as much. The PO had new axels/seals/bearings done 3 years ago. Is it possible to repack the bearings? Where can I find how to check the breather?

cheers,
Jerry

 

[Bad Luck]

Yup, figured as much. The PO had new axels/seals/bearings done 3 years ago. Is it possible to repack the bearings? Where can I find how to check the breather?

cheers,
Jerry

The rear axle bearings are sealed so there is no repacking them. The rear diff has a breather on the differential (left side if I remember correctly). Try watching Timmy's youtube video to get a better idea of what you're looking for: YouTube

He also has several videos regarding replacing the rear axle seals and bearings

 

[Gward]

So I need some recommendations for good replacement parts, drums( if I cant salvage the OEMs), hardware, wheel cylinders and shoes. I know OEM is the best, but probably double the price. Has anyone been using the Centric drums? Stop-tech? Brembo?
thanks
Jerry

None of these used on a 4runner, but I am using Centric rotors on my Grand Cherokee with no issues so far(about 25k miles). I used Brembo drums on my Wrangler, and didn't have any issues with it for the 15k miles they got on them before I sold it. Never used stop-tech. I used power stop pads and shoes on the Wrangler and they were fine.

 

[03V84R]

thanks

None of these used on a 4runner, but I am using Centric rotors on my Grand Cherokee with no issues so far(about 25k miles). I used Brembo drums on my Wrangler, and didn't have any issues with it for the 15k miles they got on them before I sold it. Never used stop-tech. I used power stop pads and shoes on the Wrangler and they were fine.

thanks for the info!

 

[nissanh]

Check the prices of parts at Camelbacktoyotaparts.com. They have good prices and free shipping over $150.